复杂

• Pinyin: fù zá
• Hanzi breakdown: 复 = simplified from 復, meaning repeat/multiple; 杂 = simplified from 雜, 九 (nine) + 木 (tree), meaning mixed

Meaning

Complicated; complex. Having many interconnected parts or aspects that are difficult to understand.

Used to describe situations, problems, relationships, systems, or processes that are intricate and not easily resolved. Can apply to both concrete and abstract things. Opposite of 简单 (simple).

Examples

1. 这道数学题太复杂了，我做不出来。 This maths problem is too complicated, I can't solve it.
2. 大城市的交通情况非常复杂。 The traffic situation in big cities is very complex.
3. 人和人之间的关系有时候很复杂。 Relationships between people are sometimes very complicated.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, academic, work

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这个问题比我想的复杂多了。(This problem is much more complex than I thought.)
• 不要把简单的事情想得太复杂。(Don't overthink simple things.)

Don't Say

• 这个菜很复杂 (Don't use 复杂 to describe food flavour — use 丰富 for rich flavours; 复杂 suggests difficulty or confusion, not pleasant richness)

Origin & History

Compound of 复 (repeat, multiple) and 杂 (mixed, miscellaneous), conveying the idea of many intertwined elements.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal